Chhetri said, "My heart goes out to all who have lost their lives in the devastating earthquake in India and Nepal. I am supporting Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) India's effort at reaching out and providing relief to the victims in this hour of crisis."

On the Indian football star's association with CAF India for Himalayan Earthquake Disastrer Response, Meenakshi Batra, CEO, CAF India, said, "We are happy to have Suni Chhetri associating with a cause which needs urgent attention. He has always made India proud on the football field. But now he has shown, he is a star off the field too."

More than 5,000 people are now known to have died in a massive earthquake which hit Nepal on April 25 and the death toll could rise to 10000 with many more still stuck under debris. At least 70 people have been killed in India due to the earthquake and hundreds injured in various parts of the country, which destroyed or damaged several houses and buildings.

Appealing to all to support CAF India's efforts at relief and rehabilitation, Chhetri added, "Nepal will always hold a special place in my heart for its wonderful people and hospitality that I have experienced. Let's come together and do all we can to help rebuild the lives of those affected by this calamity.I appeal to all to come forward and support CAF India in providing relief and rebuild the lives of the victims."

CAF India with the support of the local partners, NGOs and government is closely assessing the ground realities and humanitarian needs of the affected population.

Support will be extended to impacted states in India (Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim) and Nepal. The nature of support will be both immediate (relief-medical, food, shelter etc.) as well as long term (rehabilitation), considering the magnitude of damage caused at different locations.

CAF India has set up an online donation page to collect organisational as well as individual contribution. In addition, one can send us a DD/cheque in favour of Charities Aid Foundation India. CAF India has the approval from the government of Nepal to provide disaster relief support to the people affected.